Glasgow Shettleston’s MSP, John Mason, has welcomed today’s news that the SNP Scottish Government is to increase the maximum penalty for carrying a knife from four years to five.  Mr Mason said that this move was very positive following on from the progress that has been made in Scotland in tackling knife crime over recent years.

Welcoming today’s news, John Mason MSP said,

“Today’s announcement will be welcomed across the East End.

“Reports show knife crime has fallen over the last few years – thanks to the concerted efforts of the police, a number of individuals and organisations across Scotland – and there are apparently fewer weapons on our streets compared to 2007.  Obviously this progress is very welcome, but we need to keep doing more and today’s announcement shows the SNP Government is not being complacent.

“The Scottish Government has invested significant resources into educating our young people – for instance through the successful No Knives, Better Lives campaign – but clearly there will always be a hardcore of persistent offenders who will not listen and today’s news sends a strong signal that people carrying knives will be punished”.